Integrated reconfigurable wall system

ABSTRACT

A movable reconfigurable wall system having at least one module having a front and rear surface, the at least one module having: vertical end frames disposed at least at its side edges, each the vertical end frame having a vertically extending flange directed toward the front surface and a vertically extending flange directed toward the rear surface; a plurality of horizontal stringers affixed between the pair of vertical end frames; and an aesthetic surface affixed to the stringers; and a removable connecting strip, the connecting strip adapted to affix about one of the two flanges on one of the vertical end frames and join the one of the two flanges to a corresponding flange on one of a second module, a wall bracket, a finishing trim or a connection post.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present inventionNotice: More than one reissue application has beenfiled for the reissue of U.S. Pat. No. 8,024,901. The reissueapplications are the present application, application Ser. No.14/032,931, application Ser. No. 14/305,819, and application Ser. No.15/074,383. Application Ser. No. 14/032,931 was filed on Sep. 20, 2013and is a reissue of U.S. Pat. No. 8,024,901. Application Ser. No.14/305,819 was filed on Jun. 16, 2014 and is a continuation reissue ofapplication Ser. No. 14/032,931. Application Ser. No. 15/074,383 wasfiled on Mar. 18, 2016, and is a continuation reissue of applicationSer. No. 14/032,931. This application is a reissue divisional ofapplication Ser. No. 14/032,931, which is an application for reissue ofU.S. Pat. No. 8,024,901, which claims the benefit of the filing date ofU.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/601,985, entitled“INTEGRATED RECONFIGURABLE WALL SYSTEM”, filed Aug. 17, 2004. Thepresent invention is also a reissue of U.S. Pat. No. 8,024,901.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a wall moveable system, and moreparticularly to a reconfigurable moveable wall system comprisingreconfigurable components and design elements.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Wall systems, or dividers as they are sometimes called, are used mostcommonly in an office environment to separate work areas and to givepeople privacy where permanent walls are lacking. It is beneficial tohave a wall system that is easily movable and easily reconfigured giventhe ever changing needs and requirements in these environments. Anotherimportant aspect in an office is to maximize available space. Aestheticsare also important, including the ability to provide the aestheticelement independently of underlying structural componentry.

Previous wall systems have lacked some or all of these attributes. Someare difficult to reconfigure or to move without significant amounts oflabour and dislocation. Most systems lack the flexibility to quicklychange the height of a wall, or to use or substitute different types ofpanels, or replace a module in the middle of a wall without taking apartthe entire wall. There also is a need to be able to use the wall systemagainst an existing wall as a curtain wall for an integrated look and toprovide the design flexibility needed in those spaces bordered bypermanent walls.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a preferred embodiment, the present wall system comprises at leastone module, where each module includes a frame and a plurality of tilesmounted to the frame by means of a tile clip system. Clips are attachedto the rear surface of each tile and the tile is then pressed intoplace, aligning the clips with a capture detail on the horizontal framestringers. Tiles can span adjacent frames where required. Horizontalframe stringers may include a cantilever channel detail where desired toallow objects to be hung along the width. A single frame comprised oftwo verticals frame members and a plurality of horizontals stringersmounted to an existing wall by connecting the horizontal members tobrackets attached to the existing wall allows tiles to be mounted as acurtain wall on the existing wall. Two frames may be supported back toback within a framework for modules used to divide adjacent work spaces.A spline is attachable to the top of the frame to extend the frame andallow for additional tiles to be added on to increase a module's heightif so desired. The spline is also used to connect a different style offrame above the existing frame if so desired. For example, this allows aframed glass module to be attached above a framed wood substrate module.Two adjacent modules are connected using a removable zipper interface.The zipper contains two flexible gasket components. Where tiles willspan adjacent frames or meet one another without a gap, the gaskets bendback behind the tiles. Where tiles do not span adjacent frames and a gapis wanted, the gaskets point outward from the frame, between the tiles.At the edge of a module where no other module is to be connected, astarter strip may be placed, wherein the starter strip includes anintegral flexible gasket which conforms to the shape of the surroundingenvironment while providing both light and sound baffling. Thecantilever channel between tiles allows for various accessories or millwork to be supported from the outside of the module at convenientlocations and to be adjusted as needed.

The present wall system also includes a glass wall module, where eachmodule includes a frame and a plurality of glass tiles mounted withinthe frame. The glass may be center mounted, front mounted or rearmounted. A channel within each end frame extrusion holds a full lengthgasket extrusion or notch. The glass is retained within the gasketextrusion, around the full perimeter of the glass tile. Extra horizontalor vertical extrusions are attached within the frame to further dividethe module into smaller areas.

The present wall system also includes levelers. Levelers include upper,middle and lower sections. The upper section includes a hollow cylinderwhich is threaded along the interior, and a flat upper platedperpendicular to the leveler. The middle section is a hollow cylinderwhere the interior and exterior surfaces are threaded in oppositedirections, with a fixed nut at one end of the middle section foradjustment. The lower section includes a solid cylinder threaded tocorrespond with the middle section, a fixed lower nut and an invertedV-shaped lower plate. The leveler is used by having the flat plate inthe upper section engage a continuous channel in an the lowermostextrusion of a module's frame, and the lower plate engaging a continuousuniversal foot, located beneath each module. The V-shape of the lowerplate distributes the weight of the wall in the direction of theconnection channels of continuous universal foot. A leveler can beplaced at any location along the width of the module, allowing for aplurality of levelers to be used if needed. Along the base of theuniversal foot is a plurality of grippers, which can be adapted foreither carpet or hard flooring surfaces. The attachment of the levelerto the module is secure and without extra fastener requirement of anysort. Sliding the leveler plates into the extrusion channels, followedby the attachment of subsequent vertical members, secures the levelersin place.

A base trim is provided which, in one embodiment, can be removablysecured to the universal foot to provide access to the levelers whenneeded but which otherwise provides a finished look to the modules. Thebase trim can be modular, or span multiple frames.

Wall modules can be adapted to include integrated rear projection videosystems or digital whiteboards. Front projection screens or whiteboardscan be mounted within the frame confines, or spanning adjacent frames.

The present wall system provides for true curved walls. Curved wallframes are comprised of straight vertical extrusions and stretch formedhorizontal extrusions which are curved to the required radius. Glass orother substrate tiles are curved to match the radius of the frame andmounted in the same manner as planar wall modules.

The present wall system can incorporate universal slat wallconstructions which would accept all standard slat wall accessories. Theslat wall component is a horizontal structural extrusion, interlockingabove and below the cantilever channel horizontal member or other slatwall extrusions.

The present wall system can also support desktops and work surfacesusing support brackets in the cantilever channel.

The present wall system also integrates completely with a relatedfurniture panel system. A furniture panel system is comprised of a frameand plurality of tiles attached to the frame. The furniture panel systemis designed to serve as cubicle type dividers or desk type units, ratherthan full height walls. The integration to the furniture panel system isseamless, as the zipper connection detail, tile clip capture detail andcantilever detail are identical to the wall system connection details.All components used in or on the wall system can also be used in or onthe furniture panel system.

According to the present invention then, there is provided a movablereconfigurable wall system comprising: at least one module having afront and rear surface, said at least one module having: vertical endframes disposed at least at its side edges, each said vertical end framehaving a vertically extending flange directed toward said front surfaceand a vertically extending flange directed toward said rear surface; aplurality of horizontal stringers affixed between said pair of verticalend frames; and an aesthetic surface affixed to said stringers; and aremovable connecting strip, said connecting strip adapted to affix aboutone of said two flanges on one of said vertical end frames and join saidone of said two flanges to a corresponding flange on one of a secondmodule, a wall bracket, a finishing trim or a connection post.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the applicant's integrated reconfigurable wallsystem will now be described in greater detail and will be betterunderstood when read in conjunction with the following drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a module representative of thepresent tile cladded wall system;

FIG. 1A is another exploded perspective view of a module representativeof the present tile cladded wall system;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a wall system including two adjacentmodules, one tile cladded and one glass wall;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a portion of the wall system of FIG. 3showing the connection between adjacent modules;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a frame member including a finishingtrim;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a frame member including a wall startertrim where a module meets an existing wall;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a height extension to an existingmodule;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a portion of a wall module showing theorientation of horizontal members with integrated cantilever channel;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 8 showing cantileverbracket details and tile clip connection details;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a wall panel incorporating slat wallconstruction;

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the slat wall construction of FIG.10;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the related panel furniture systemutilizing the same connectors and slat wall extrusion to support a worksurface;

FIG. 13 is a perspective, partially exploded view showing the assemblyof a leg used to support the panel furniture system, utilizing the sameconnection zipper as the wall components of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a perspective, exploded view of a leveller for use with thepresent wall system;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a leveller mountingsystem as it slides into the channel of a lower glass wall extrusion anduniversal foot extrusion;

FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of the base trim connection to theleveller assembly;

FIG. 17 is a perspective, schematic view of the present wall systemincluding integrated media panels and storage areas;

FIG. 18 is a perspective, schematic view of the present wall systemincorporating an integrated media center;

FIG. 19 is a plan view of a two-way rectilinear connector for thepresent wall system;

FIG. 20 is a plan view of an alternative (radial) two-way connector forthe present wall system;

FIG. 21 is a plan view of a three-way connector for the present wallsystem;

FIG. 22 is a plan view of a variance of a 90 degree connector for thepresent wall system;

FIG. 23 is a plan view of a 120 degree connector for three merging wallsaccording to the present wall system;

FIG. 24 is a plan view of an end vertical and gasket for abuttingexisting walls with the present wall system;

FIG. 25 is a plan view of a connector for connecting to existing wallsaccording to the present wall system;

FIG. 26 is a side elevational view of a floor leveller and ceilingconnector for a solid (tile clad) wall;

FIG. 27 is a side elevational view of a floor leveller and ceilingconnector for a glass wall;

FIG. 28 is a plan view of two wall panels having a gap between adjoiningpanels;

FIG. 29 is a plan view of two wall panels directly abutting each otherand being sealed with a zipper;

FIG. 30 is a plan view of two wall panels directly abutting each otherand having a zipper with no fins;

FIG. 31 is a plan view of an end vertical and gasket for abuttingexisting walls with the present glass wall system; and

FIG. 32 is a plan view of a connector for connecting to existing wallsaccording to the present glass wall system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to FIG. 1, the present invention is directed towards awall system 10 made up of one or more modules 20. Each module comprisesa pair of vertical end frames 12 that will be spaced apart by thedesired width of each module. Modules 20 may be clad with tiles 18 andcan be one or two sided with a finished wall surface on both sides or afinished wall surface on one side only. Tiles 18 can be made of wood,plastic, metal fabric glass or other material, and end frames 12 may beinterconnected by a plurality of horizontal stringers 8 that will bedescribed in greater detail below.

With reference to FIG. 2, the next adjacent module 20 can be identicalto its neighbour, or, as shown in this figure, may consist of twovertical end frames 17 and one or more dividers 14 which can be, forexample, glass or plastic if transparency is desired. End frames 17 usedfor such dividers are shaped as shown most clearly in FIG. 4 and includea notch 19 that receives and holds the divider's vertical edge.

Stringers 8 are horizontally spaced apart at intervals along the heightof the module for strength and rigidity. To support objects, cantileverchannel stringers 40, including a cantilever channel portion 41, areused, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. Stringers 8 that do not include channelportion 41 can be used anywhere structure is required but the channelportion is not required for supporting objects. For example, the loweststringer 8a may not include cantilever channel portion 41. The stringersare connected to end frames 12 by fasteners, usually threaded screws, ina manner to be described below.

If the module will be visible from both sides, finishing tiles 18 can beconnected to the stringers on both sides of module 20. It is notnecessary that the tiles on one side of the wall be at all like thetiles on the other. They can be different materials or even aligneddifferently as shown in FIG. 1, in which the tiles on one side of themodule are horizontally mounted and the tiles on the other side of thewall are vertically mounted for a different look. The tiles can alsospan adjacent modules, if required. For example, FIG. 1A depictsfinishing tiles 18 spanning adjacent modules 20. If only one side of themodule will be visible, which can be the case for example if the moduleis used as a curtain wall to cover an existing wall, its necessary toapply tiles 18 to only one side of the module as needed.

The depth or thickness of the module can be selected by varying thewidth of frame 12. For example, as will be described below, the modulescan house a rear projection or digital video system and the greaterdepth is needed to enclose the componentry.

With reference to FIGS. 3, 4, 5 28 and 29, each end frame 12 and 17includes a pair of rearwardly extending L-shaped flanges 23 that alignvertically with correspondingly positioned and shaped flanges 23 onopposite end frame 12 or 17 so that frames 12 and 17 can be connectedtogether by connecting strips (“zippers”) 25. If the adjacent module 20itself comprises an end frame 12 as shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, flanges 23will abut and will be connected together in the same manner usingzippers 25. As shown most clearly in FIG. 28, each of flanges 23 isformed with a bead 27. Each zipper 25 is generally T-shaped incross-sectional shape and includes a central spine 29 that fits betweenflanges 23 and a pair of arms 30 on opposite sides of the spine. Eacharm includes a bead 31 that snap fits with beads 27 on flanges 23 for asecure but releasable connection. When two adjacent modules areconnected together in this way, there is enough of a gap between themthat the zippers can be accessed for removal, allowing an individualmodule to be removed should the need arise.

As illustrated in FIGS. 28 and 29, each zipper can also include a pairof flexible extended fins 32 extending rearwardly from the spine 29.Depending on the application, a user may wish adjacent modules to beabutted together completely or to have a gap between them. In FIG. 28, agap exists between the modules, and this gap is sealed using extendingfins 32. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the widthof the gap is variable since extensions 32 are flexible and canaccommodate various widths.

If no gap is desired, or if tiles span adjacent modules, FIG. 29illustrates an embodiment having adjacent panels. In this caseextensions 32 are behind each panel, and the force of extensions 32against the rearward side of the module creates an acoustic seal for thewall.

In an alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 30, it is also possibleto have a zipper 25 without extensions 32. This may be desirable whenmodules 20 abut and an acoustical seal is not required.

As such, in various embodiments, the zipper 25 may be positioned in arecessed location within the wall system 10. The recessed zipper 25 mayallow for a single tile 18 to span multiple modules 20 withoutinterference from the zipper 25. Additionally, a recessed zipper 25 mayallow for the free movement of accessories 47 between adjacent wallmodules 20 within a cantilever channel 41.

FIG. 5 shows an end piece 35 similar to end frame 17 but lacking notch19. This end piece is therefore used to finish the vertical edge ofmodule 20 using zippers 25 if no additional module is to be connected toit.

If either of frames 12 or 17 is to start, or end, at an existing wall,flexible starter strips 37 can snap-fit onto flanges 23 as shown mostclearly in FIG. 6. Starter strips 37 include curved flexible gaskets 38which will conform to the shape of the existing wall and will providesound and light barriers. This can also be seen in FIGS. 24 and 32.

Alternatively, as illustrated in FIGS. 25 and 31, a wall start 43 can bemounted to an existing wall to provide a start to a module. Wall start43 is preferably an aluminum extrusion mounted vertically to an existingwall using known mounting techniques. The mounting technique of screwsshown in FIG. 25 is not meant to be limiting.

Wall start 43 includes a flanges 23 and is connected to an end frame 12or 17 using a zipper 25. As indicated above, extensions 32 can provide aseal against the wall and panel.

To increase the height of an existing module 20, or to combine a glassmodule above or below a tile-clad module, a spline 39 can be used toconnect end frame 12 (or 17) to an extension frame 12e as shown mostclearly in FIG. 7. Actually, as shown in this figure, extension frame12e is a length of frame 17, which allows the lower portion of the wallto be hung with standard tiles and the upper extended portion of thewall to be finished in a glass or plastic divider 14 for a combinationof finished looks. The upper and lower extrusions 90, which complete theframing of divider 14, will be described below in connection with alevelling system in which the same extrusion is used.

It is desirable that work surfaces, mill work and wall accessories suchas trays or document holders be connectable to modules 20. This can beeasily achieved in the present system by using cantilever channelstringers 40 with channel brackets horizontally disposed in the channelbetween adjacent tiles 18 as shown most clearly in FIGS. 8 and 9.

Each channel stringer 40 includes a central horizontally extendingchannel portion 41 with a generally L-shaped slot 42 formed along itslength adapted to receive and engage a substantially L-shaped hook 45formed on a wall accessory 47 such as the document holder shown in FIG.8. A pair of diagonally extending webs 49 connects channel portion 41 toupper and lower portions 51 and 53 respectively. Each portion includes atile support 55 that is the connection point for the tiles 18 that aremounted above and below channel portion 41. More specifically, the upperand lower edges of tiles 18 are provided with a tile clip, e.g.,connector strip 60, which is attached by means of screws, adhesive orany other suitable fastening to the rear surface of tile 18, asillustrated. Each connector strip 60 includes a pair of opposed flexiblearms 62 to snap-fit with a protrusion (generally arrow shaped bead 64formed along the edge of flanges 67) that are is formed on and extendextends the length of each upper and lower portion 51 and 53. Thisallows individual tiles 18 to be removed or replaced without having todisassemble the entire wall. The flanges 23 formed on vertical endframes 12 and 17 that are connected together by zippers 25 are locatedsufficiently inwardly that the zippers will not interfere with thecontinuity of slot 42 from one module to the next so that wallaccessories, mill work or work surfaces can be connected or movedbetween modules without interference.

The upper and lower edges of tiles 18 that abut channel portion 41 ofeach channel bracket are camphored for clearance as seen most clearly inFIG. 9.

The upper and lower portions 51 and 53 of the channel stringer 40 areadvantageously formed with longitudinally extended circular recesses 57and inner channels 58. Recesses 57 are adapted to receive screws used toconnect end frames 12 or 17 to channel stringers 40. Channels 58 can beused to support mounting hardware for audio-video equipment mountedwithin the modules, cable management clips or any other hardware to behoused or contained in the module's interior. Channels 58 are also usedto connect a single-sided tile clad module to brackets attached toexisting wall surfaces.

With reference to FIG. 10, another embodiment of the invention is shownincorporating a section of standard slat wall 69 including slats 70 andslat wall channels 71 for connection to all slat wall accessories 47.Slat wall panels can make up some or all of the panels incorporated intoany one module 20 and the modules themselves are configured for use withend frames 12 and zippers 25 so that the modules themselves can beconnected together in any desired combination. Slat wall modules can beone (FIG. 11) or two sided (FIG. 10) for use as either dividing orcurtain walls.

As shown in FIG. 12, in the applicant's related panel furniture system,a work surface or desktop 76 can be connected to modules 20. The desktop76 can hook into either cantilevered channel stringers 40 or into slatwall channels 71 and otherwise the construction of the individualmodules 20 is the same as described above for wall system 10. Furniturelegs 80 shown in the example of FIG. 12 consist of a vertical frame 12zipper connected to a finishing end extrusion 35 using zippers 25 asshown in FIG. 13, in the same manner as the wall system 10. The lowerend of each furniture leg 80 is finished with a concentric sleeve 79which conceals a threaded bolt 84 in the lower end of each leg which canbe used for levelling.

As illustrated in FIG. 23, three vertical extrusions 2310 are connectedto each other to create the connection point for the three wall systems,and each wall meets the others at an angle of 120 degrees.

In the case of modules having tiles that extend all the way down to thefloor, applicant has developed a leveller mounting system that allowslevellers to be placed anywhere along the length of a module and extralevellers to be added where needed. There are two variations of theleveller mounting system shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, one to be used withmodules comprising tiles 18, and the other with modules using glass orplastic dividers.

Referring first to FIG. 15, this is the levelling system to be used withmodules having glass or plastic dividers extending down to floor level.This system includes a structural extrusion 90, which is generally aninverted U-shaped channel with a notch 92 to engage the lower edge ofthe glass or plastic divider, and a universal foot 100.

Extrusion 90 and universal foot 100 are interconnected by means of dualthreaded levellers 110, an example of which is shown in FIG. 14.

Leveller 110 has three distinct sections, an upper section 112, a middlesection 115 and a lower section 120. Upper section 112 is cylindrical inshape and is internally left or right hand threaded. A plate 113 isconnected to the section's upper end for a permanent connection thereto.Middle section 115 is both internally and externally threaded. Theexternal threads will match the direction of the internal threads onupper section 112 while the internal threads will be in the oppositedirection to match the external threading of lower portion 120. A fixedmiddle nut 114 is disposed at the lower end of middle section 115. Nut114 can be used to turn middle section 115 relative to the upper andlower sections of the leveller.

As mentioned, the lower section 120 of the leveller is externallythreaded and the threading will be in the opposite direction to theinternal threading of upper section 112. In this way, each turn of nut114 doubles the expansion or contraction of the leveller to halve thelevelling time. The lower end of section 120 includes its own fixedadjustment nut 124 and an inverted V-shaped lower plate 125.

FIG. 15 shows how leveller 110 is installed. Plate 113 aligns withchannels 94 in extrusion 90 to be slidable along the length of thechannel to any desired location. The V-shaped lower plate 125 alignswith and slides into grooves 101 in foot 100. Those levellers that fitat the end of a foot are slightly modified to include tabs 126 at theouter corners of plate 125 which prevent the plate from moving inwardly.When vertical end frames 12 or 17 are attached to extrusion 90, plate113 is prevented from moving outwardly so that the leveller is held inits position at the very end of foot 100. Frames 12 or 17 are connectedto extrusion 90 by means of screws that thread into one or more ofcircular slots 117 in the extrusion.

If modules 20 are situated atop carpet, toothed carpet grippers 130 areinserted into slots 129 in foot 100. If the modules are installed onhard surfaces, nonskid grippers can be inserted instead. The gripperscan be placed precisely where needed to bear the modules weight and canbe easily moved, replaced or switched over as needed.

FIG. 16 shows a leveller 110 installed on modules 20 and illustrates theinstallation of base trim 140 used to conceal the levellers 110 whenthey're not being adjusted. In this view, plate 113 is again slidinglyreceived into channels formed in the module's lowermost extrusion andplate 125 is received into grooves 101 in foot 100. The base trim 140includes baseboards 142 and snap pieces 144. Snap pieces 144 snap-fitonto foot 100 as shown with grooves 145 and 147 on the snap pieceengaging flanges 108 and 109 on the foot. Each snap piece includes alongitudinally extending elevated hook 149 and a similarlylongitudinally extending channel 150. Each baseboard includes a hook 143to engage hook 149 on the snap piece, and a bead 153 that snap fits intochannel 150 to retain the baseboards in a vertical position to provide afinished look. Because the baseboards are installed usually after themodules have been assembled together, the boards can span multiplemodules for longer runs and fewer seams.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 26 and 27. As illustrated, besides thebottom connection with the leveller (as described with relation to FIGS.15 and 16 above), a ceiling connection is also preferred.

FIG. 26 shows a ceiling connection for a solid wall, such as thosedescribed above having tile cladding. A ceiling track 2601 is affixed tothe ceiling above the area for the desired wall. Each module includestwo horizontal uppers 2610 abut thereto (on either side of the ceilingtrack), the horizontal upper including an upper flange 2612. A ceilingtrim 2614 is affixed to upper flange 2612. Ceiling trim 2614 is flexibleand allows variable spacing of the wall with the ceiling. Specifically,the trim 2614 will flex to allow the wall to move closer or further fromthe wall as required based on levelling needs.

Horizontal upper 2610 further includes a protrusion (bead 64) asdescribed above to attach a tile (e.g., via the flexible arms of theillustrated tile clips) to the horizontal upper. Further, recesses 2616are used to attach horizontal uppers to frames 12 or 17.

To affix a wall, an installer can first install ceiling track 2601 inthe correct location. The wall is then created with levellers 110 in alowermost position. The levellers 110 are then extended to level thewall and to further cause horizontal uppers 2610 to abut ceiling track2601 on either side of ceiling track 2601, as illustrated in FIG. 26.

Alternatively, if a divider such as a glass panel is being used, a onepiece upper 2701 can be used, as illustrated in FIG. 27. The one pieceupper 2701 comprises a flange 2712 to connect a ceiling trim 2714 to.Ceiling trim 2714 is preferably the same as ceiling trim 2614. Upper2701 further includes a channel 2716 for receiving a divider.

The present wall system 10 includes curved walls using curved aluminumstringers and extrusions and curved tiles 18. In conventional systems,curved walls are constructed of faceted panels rather than true, radiiarcs. A curved wall is illustrated in FIG. 19.

With reference to FIG. 17, a module 20 is shown in which a couple oftiles 18 have been replaced with an integrated media panel 190. Thepanel can be a Fresnel lens, a plasma screen, an LCD screen or a digitalwhiteboard. Rear projection technology can be used to project imagesonto the Fresnel lens, or the digital whiteboard technology allowssketching, writing, layout or computer screen emulation. In the exampleshown, adjacent tiles 18 incorporate speakers 192 to provide sound. Tile18 surrounding the screen area can be used for integrated storage areas.

With reference to FIG. 18, there is shown schematically a module 20 withan integrated media center 200 suspended therein.

Various connectors are also provided to allow the present reconfigurablewall system to form corners. Reference is now made to FIGS. 19, 20, 21and 22.

FIG. 19 illustrates a two-way rectilinear connector 1910. Connector 1910includes a finished outer surface on sides 1912 and 1914. Further,flanges 23 are provided on sides 1916 and 1918. Flanges 23 can be usedwith zipper 25 to connect to end frames 12 or 17. An extension 1920extends between sides 1916 and 1918 to form a finished corner oncemodules 20 are connected to these sides. Further, sides 1912 and 1914include an elongate end 1922 for hiding zipper 25 and creating afinished surface.

FIG. 20 is similar to FIG. 19, with the principle difference being theradial finished outer surface 2012 replacing sides 1912 and 1914.Otherwise similar reference numerals are used between FIGS. 19 and 20.

FIG. 21 illustrates a three way connector for a “T” connection. Threemodules 20 are connected to connector 2101. Connector 2101 includes afinished outer surface 2112. Flanges 23 are used to connect modules 20.Extensions 1920 provide a finished look between adjacent modules 20.Further, elongate end 1922 provides a finished look on the outside ofthe wall.

FIG. 22 illustrates an alternative 90 degree connector. In this case, anextrusion 2201 is affixed to the end of a module 20. Two extrusions areconnected using a connector 2312. Since connector 2312 is flexible, anangle greater than or less than 90 degrees is possible. In a preferredembodiment, the swing on the connector is approximately 15 degrees.

The above-described embodiments of the present invention are meant to beillustrative of preferred embodiments and are not intended to limit thescope of the present invention. Various modifications, which would bereadily apparent to one skilled in the art, are intended to be withinthe scope of the present invention. The only limitations to the scope ofthe present invention are set forth in the following claims appendedhereto.

What is claimed is:
 1. A movable reconfigurable wall system comprising:a) at least one wall module having a front and rear surface and top,bottom, right side and left side edges, said at least one wall modulehaving: i) a vertical end frame disposed adjacent to each of said rightand left side edges, each vertical end frame having a first verticallyextending flange and a spaced apart second vertically extending flangethereon, each of said first vertically extending flange and said secondvertically extending flange having a beaded portion, the beaded portionon one of said first vertically extending flange or said secondvertically extending flange extending toward the front surface of thewall module and the beaded portion on the other of said first verticallyextending flange or said second vertically extending flange extendingtoward the rear surface of the wall module; ii) a plurality ofhorizontal stringers affixed between said vertical end frames at saidright and left side edges; and iii) an aesthetic surface affixed to saidstringers; and b) a removable connecting strip having a pair of spacedapart flexible arms, each arm having a beaded portion thereon, thebeaded portion of one of said arms being adapted to connect releasablyto the beaded portion of one of said first vertically extending flangeor said second vertically extending flange on said vertical end frameand the beaded portion of the other of said arms being adapted toconnect releasably to the beaded portion of a corresponding opposedvertically extending flange on a separate vertical end frame of a secondwall module, a wall bracket, a finishing trim or a connection post tohold one of said first vertically extending flange or said secondvertically extending flange and said opposed vertically extending flangetogether, the beaded portions of said first vertically extending flangeor said second vertically extending flange and said opposed verticallyextending flange fitting inside the arms of said connecting strip tohold said first vertically extending flange or said second verticallyextending flange and said opposed vertically extending flange togetherthereby releasably connecting said at least one wall module to the otherof said second wall module, wall bracket, finishing trim or connectionpost.
 2. The movable reconfigurable wall system of claim 1, wherein saidconnecting strip includes a spine adapted to fit between said firstvertically extending flange or said second vertically extending flangeand said opposed vertically extending flange.
 3. The movablereconfigurable wall system of claim 2, wherein said connecting stripfurther includes a pair of flexible fin extensions extending opposite tosaid flexible arms for providing a seal.
 4. The movable reconfigurablewall system of claim 1, wherein said aesthetic surface includes a tilepanel on said front surface, said rear surface, or both said frontsurface and said rear surface.
 5. The movable reconfigurable wall systemof claim 4, wherein each said stringer includes one or more protrusions,said reconfigurable wall system further including tile clips foraffixing tiles to said one or more protrusions.
 6. The movablereconfigurable wall system of claim 1, wherein said aesthetic surface isa single divider selected from a group consisting of substratesconsisting of glass, plastic, or wood and metal.
 7. The movablereconfigurable wall system of claim 6, wherein said stringers and endframes include a channel for receiving said divider.
 8. The movablereconfigurable wall system of claim 1, wherein said stringers include acantilever channel stringer, said cantilever channel stringer having: acentral horizontally extending channel portion with a generally L-shapedslot, said L-shaped slot adapted to receive and engage a substantiallyL-shaped hook formed on a wall accessory; an upper portion having a tilesupport; a lower portion having a tile support; and a pair of extendingwebs connecting said channel portion to said upper and a lower portion.9. The movable reconfigurable wall system of claim 1, wherein saidsystem further comprises an extension frame, said extension frameincluding a pair of vertical extension end frames and at least onestringer, said extension frame being affixed atop of said at least onemodule with a spline on each end of said end frame.
 10. The movablereconfigurable wall system of claim 1, wherein said aesthetic surfaceincludes a slat wall, said slat wall having slats and slat wall channelsfor connection to slat wall accessories.
 11. The movable reconfigurablewall system of claim 1, said system further comprising a levellingsystem having: a universal foot; a leveller capable of engaging saiduniversal foot; and a structural extrusion to engage surface of said atleast one module, said structural extrusion connecting to said leveller,wherein said leveller provides the sole connection between saiduniversal foot and said module.
 12. The movable reconfigurable wallsystem of claim 11, wherein said leveller comprises: a cylindricalinternally threaded upper section; an internally and externally threadedmiddle section, said external threads matching said internally threadedupper section; and an externally threaded lower section, said externallythreaded lower section matching internal threads of said middle section,wherein said middle section can be twisted to extend or contract saidleveller.
 13. The movable reconfigurable wall unit of claim 11 furthercomprising a base trim, said base trim attaching to said universal foot.14. The movable reconfigurable wall unit of claim 1 further comprising aceiling connection, said ceiling connection including: a ceiling trackaffixed to a ceiling; a horizontal upper section affixed to said module,said horizontal upper section adapted to fit about said ceiling track; aflexible gasket affixed to said horizontal upper section and extendingabove said horizontal upper section to contact the ceiling.
 15. Themovable reconfigurable wall unit of claim 1, wherein said wall bracketcomprises: an extrusion for connection to an existing wall in alignmentwith said end frame; and first and second flanges on said extrusioncorresponding to said first vertically extending flange and said secondvertically extending flange on said end frame and arranged in oppositionthereto.
 16. The movable reconfigurable wall unit of claim 1 furthercomprising a wall joint, said wall joint comprising a flexible gasketand a channel, said channel adapted to connect to a flange of said atleast one module.
 17. The movable reconfigurable wall unit of claim 1,wherein said at least one module includes curved stringers and curvedaesthetic surfaces.
 18. The movable reconfigurable wall unit of claim 1,wherein said connection post includes at least two sides havingvertically extending flanges thereon corresponding to and arranged inopposition to said first and second flanges on said end frame.
 19. Themovable reconfigurable wall unit of claim 1, wherein said aestheticsurface includes a multimedia component.
 20. The movable reconfigurablewall unit of claim 19, wherein said multimedia component is a videomonitor.
 21. The movable reconfigurable wall unit of claim 1, whereinsaid vertical end frame depth is extended to provide a deeper wall. 22.The movable reconfigurable wall unit of claim 21, wherein said deeperwall is adapted to accommodate a rear-projection video system.
 23. Themovable reconfigurable wall unit of claim 21, wherein said deeper wallis adapted to accommodate an integrated storage system.
 24. The movablereconfigurable wall unit of claim 1, further comprising a wall mountedmodule for mounting to an existing wall face, said wall mounted modulehaving: a) vertical end brackets disposed at least at its side edges,each said vertical end frame having a vertically extending flangedirected away from said existing wall face; b) a plurality of horizontalstringers affixed between said pair of vertical end brackets; and c) anaesthetic surface affixed to said stringers.
 25. The movablereconfigurable wall unit of claim 1, further comprising a furnituresystem connectable to said at least one module, the furniture systemhaving: a work surface, said work surface connectable to said stringers;and furniture legs, said furniture legs connecting to said work surfaceat a first end and connecting to a threaded bolt at a second endopposite said first end, said threaded bolt allowing levelling of saidwork surface.
 26. A movable reconfigurable wall module having one ormore tiles mounted thereto, and sufficient depth so that a multimediacomponent is mounted flush with at least one of the one or more tilesand enclosed within the wall module, the movable reconfigurable wallmodule comprising: a first vertical end frame, the first vertical endframe having a height, and further having a depth defined by a distancebetween a front side and a back side of the first vertical end frame; asecond vertical end frame, the second vertical end frame having a depththat is defined by a distance between a front side and a back side ofthe second vertical end frame, the depth being at least as large as thedepth of the first vertical end frame; a plurality of horizontal framestringers that interconnect the first and second vertical end frames; aplurality of tiles snap-fit mounted to the horizontal frame stringers soas to provide at least a portion of a surface to the wall module; and amultimedia center suspended between the first and second vertical framesand adjacent to the one or more tiles; wherein: an outward-most facingsurface of the multimedia center is co-planar with outward-most facingsurfaces of the one or more tiles; at least one of the horizontalstringers in the plurality comprises a first receiving feature forreceiving one or more wall accessories; the first receiving feature isaccessible from outside of the first or second affixed tiles; the firstreceiving feature comprises a first edge that aligns with an edge of thefirst tile and a second edge that aligns with an edge of the secondtile.
 27. The movable reconfigurable wall module as recited in claim 26,wherein: at least one of the tiles is mounted between the first andsecond vertical frames; and at least one of the tiles is mounted so asto span horizontally across one or both of the first or second verticalframes.
 28. The movable reconfigurable wall module as recited in claim26, wherein the multimedia center comprises a display screen.
 29. Themovable reconfigurable wall module as recited in claim 28, wherein thedisplay screen is within the same plane as the one or more tiles. 30.The movable reconfigurable wall module as recited in claim 28, whereinthe multimedia center also comprises one or more speakers.
 31. Themovable reconfigurable wall module as recited in claim 28, wherein atleast one of the tiles comprises one or more integrated storage spaces.32. The movable reconfigurable wall module as recited in claim 26,wherein the multimedia center comprises a digital whiteboard.
 33. Themovable reconfigurable wall module as recited in claim 26, wherein themultimedia center is suspended adjacent to one or more of the tileswithout any intervening tile surface between the multimedia center andeach of the one or more tiles.
 34. A movable reconfigurable wall modulecomprising: a first wall module having a first vertical end framedisposed adjacent a left edge of the first wall module and a secondvertical end frame disposed adjacent a right edge of the first wallmodule; a first plurality of horizontal stringers interconnecting thefirst vertical end frame of the first wall module and the secondvertical end frame of the first wall module; a first tile affixedthrough a snap-fit connection to one or more of the first plurality ofhorizontal stringers and at least a second tile affixed through asnap-fit connection to a horizontal stringer of the first wall module ora second, adjacent wall module; and a first media panel physicallyintegrated within the first wall module between the first vertical endframe and the second vertical end frame, and adjacent to both the firstand second tiles; wherein: a front face of the first media panel iscoplanar with both of the first and second tiles; the front face of thefirst media panel extends at least from the first vertical end frame ofthe first wall module to the second vertical end frame of the first wallmodule, and thereby spans the first and second vertical end framewithout any intervening surfaces between the first media panel and thefirst and second vertical end frames; at least one of the horizontalstringers in the plurality comprises a first receiving feature forreceiving one or more wall accessories; the first receiving feature isaccessible from outside of the first or second affixed tiles; and thefirst receiving feature comprises a first edge that aligns with an edgeof the first tile and a second edge that aligns with an edge of thesecond tile.
 35. The movable reconfigurable wall module as recited inclaim 34, further comprising: a connecting flange for connecting thefirst wall module to an adjacent second wall module.
 36. The movablereconfigurable wall module as recited in claim 34, wherein: the firstplurality of horizontal stringers comprises an intermediate stringerthat is positioned below an upper stringer and above a lower stringer;and at least the first tile is affixed to the intermediate stringerthrough a snap-fit connection.
 37. The movable reconfigurable wallmodule as recited in claim 34, wherein the first media panel comprises adisplay screen.
 38. The movable reconfigurable wall module as recited inclaim 34, wherein the first media panel comprises a rear projector. 39.The movable reconfigurable wall module as recited in claim 34, whereinthe first media panel comprises a digital whiteboard.
 40. The movablereconfigurable wall module as recited in claim 34, wherein at least oneof the first plurality of horizontal stringers comprises a multi-mediachannel configured to support mounting hardware for audio-videoequipment mounted within the first wall module.
 41. The movablereconfigurable wall module as recited in claim 34, wherein the mediapanel is suspended adjacent each of the first and second tiles withoutany intervening tile surface between the multimedia center and the firstor second tiles.
 42. The movable reconfigurable wall module as recitedin claim 34, wherein: at least one of the tiles is mounted between thefirst and second vertical frames; and at least one of the tiles ismounted so as to span horizontally across one or both of the first orsecond vertical frames.
 43. The movable reconfigurable wall module asrecited in claim 34, wherein the first media panel comprises a displayscreen.
 44. The movable reconfigurable wall module as recited in claim43, wherein the display screen is within the same plane as the one ormore tiles.
 45. The movable reconfigurable wall module as recited inclaim 43, wherein the first media panel also comprises one or morespeakers.
 46. The movable reconfigurable wall module as recited in claim43, wherein at least one of the tiles comprises one or more integratedstorage spaces.
 47. A movable reconfigurable wall module comprising: afirst wall module having a first vertical end frame disposed adjacent aleft edge of the first wall module and a second vertical end framedisposed adjacent a right edge of the first wall module; a firstplurality of horizontal stringers interconnecting the first vertical endframe of the first wall module and the second vertical end frame of thefirst wall module; at least one of the first plurality of horizontalstringers comprising a first receiving feature for receiving one or morewall accessories; a plurality of tiles affixed to one or more of thefirst plurality of horizontal stringers, wherein: the first receivingfeature is accessible from outside of the affixed tile; and a firstmedia panel physically integrated within the first wall module wall,wherein an outward-most facing surface of the multimedia center isco-planar with outward-most facing surfaces of the tiles; at least oneof the horizontal stringers in the first plurality comprises a firstreceiving feature for receiving one or more wall accessories; the firstreceiving feature is accessible from outside of the first or secondaffixed tiles; the first receiving feature comprises a first edge thataligns with an edge of the first tile and a second edge that aligns withan edge of a second tile.
 48. The movable reconfigurable wall module asrecited in claim 47, further comprising: a connecting flange forconnecting the first wall module to an adjacent second wall module. 49.The movable reconfigurable wall module as recited in claim 47, whereinthe tile is affixed to the one or more of the first plurality ofhorizontal stringers through a snap-fit connection.
 50. The movablereconfigurable wall module as recited in claim 49, wherein: the firstplurality of horizontal stringers comprises an intermediate stringerthat is positioned below an upper stringer and above a lower stringer;and the tile is affixed to the intermediate stringer through a snap-fitconnection.
 51. The movable reconfigurable wall module as recited inclaim 47, wherein the media panel is suspended adjacent each of firstand second tiles without any intervening tile surface between themultimedia center and the first or second tiles.
 52. The movablereconfigurable wall module as recited in claim 47, wherein: at least oneof the tiles is mounted between the first and second vertical frames;and at least one of the tiles is mounted so as to span horizontallyacross one or both of the first or second vertical frames.
 53. Themovable reconfigurable wall module as recited in claim 47, wherein thefirst media panel comprises a display screen.
 54. The movablereconfigurable wall module as recited in claim 53, wherein the displayscreen is within the same plane as the plurality of tiles.
 55. Themovable reconfigurable wall module as recited in claim 53, wherein thefirst media panel also comprises one or more speakers.
 56. The movablereconfigurable wall module as recited in claim 53, wherein at least oneof the tiles comprises one or more integrated storage spaces.